Backup Quarterbacks looking better

The addition of pads didn’t slow down Matthew Stafford as he was dropping dimes all over the field today. He was on the same page with his veteran receivers and gave the rookies lots of opportunities to make plays.

Jake Rudock showed improvement today but still needs more time to develop.

Brad Kaaya looked better today with pads on than in the days without. He made a few nice throws but he’s still third on the depth chart.

Running Backs cutting well

The running backs group was the hardest to evaluate today because their proximity for viewing. But when we did get a closer look, it was Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick who stood out.

Abdullah’s best play of the day was when he caught a pass in the flat and stopped on a dime, allowing the defender to slide past him. It was sharp.

Riddick is still elusive and made cuts with ease, darting through the line of scrimmage more than once.

Wide Receivers starting to separate

The Kenny Golladay hype train isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He showed he is vulnerable to press coverage today, yet managed to made another fantastic play today catching a pass in the endzone.

If I had to pick a fourth receiver to make the team right now it would probably be TJ Jones. He is playing for his job and he knows it. He is responding to the pressure well showing quick feet, sharp routes and solid hands.

Jace Billingsley struggled on special teams today but was much better on offense. He quickness is unquestioned.

The Tight Ends continue to excel

Darren Fells and Michael Roberts continue to impress.

In case you forgot, with all the gushing over Fells receiving ability, he’s a serious blocker as well. If he gets leverage on a defender it’s over pretty quick.

I’ve read several positive reports on Cole Wick, but I am wondering what they’re seeing that I am not. From my perspective he looks rusty.

When is the Offensive Line going to gel?

Greg Robinson got his first series of reps with the first team, but was still rotating with Cyrus Kouandjio throughout the day.

Laken Tomlinson started at right guard again in place of T.J. Lang who appeared to get another rest day.

Starters Graham Glasgow, Travis Swanson and Rick Wagner continue to take reps with the ones, but with left tackle and right guard unsettled, it’s safe to wonder when this group will have time to gel.

Leo Koloamatangi is a long shot for the 53-man roster with Glasgow’s ability to back up Swanson at center, but he’s doing enough to make the coaches notice him. He would be a quality addition to the practice squad.

Young Defensive Lineman showing up

With an injury to Cornelius Washington and Ziggy Ansah still on the PUP, Anthony Zettel and Kerry Hyder saw reps with the starters.

Pat O’Connur saw reps at left defensive end with the second unit today and showed he belonged. He arguably had the best play of the day, overpowering newly signed Nick Becton to get into the backfield for what would have been a six or seven yard loss.

Brandon Copeland also took advantage of injuries to get some solid pass rush reps in today. He also saw snaps at SAM linebacker showing his range. He’s still in the mix for one of the last edge rusher spots.

Jared Ledbetter continued to spend more time at defensive end today, likely because of injuries, but it’s worth keeping tabs on the versatile lineman. He looks comfortable at both positions.

Rotating Linebackers

The Linebackers rotated all around today, with several of them getting reps at MIKE and WILL during different reps.

Jarrad Davis is still the clear starting MIKE, but it looked like the coaches wanted to get familiar with who might be his backup.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin is a fun player to watch but he is behind the curve in his coverage skills. When moving forward he had a much better showing.

While most linebackers saw reps at MIKE and WILL, Steve Longa went the opposite direction, taking snaps at SAM. Longa is a name to watch as he is also capable of playing MIKE and is a good special teams player.

Defensive Backs are impressing

Today’s training camp showstopper was Jamal Agnew. This kid can play. He looks extremely comfortable in the slot, where his quickness is on display. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that he is making this team.

Darius Slay continues to prove his contract extension last year was a bargain. He subtly makes moves that consistently put him in the right position, using his athleticism to his advantage.

Nevin Lawson is starting with the first team on the outside opposite Slay but found his way back on the field with the third team as a nickelback. It’s nice to see Lawson getting some work in the slot because when Tabor is on the field, I’d rather have Lawson shift over to nickel rather than go to the bench.

I am worried for Quandre Diggs because there are a lot of corners who are balling in camp right now and he needs to get better.

Lions coaches continue to get Teez Tabor reps in press-coverage and I am assuming it’s to help him get better in this area, because he is still getting roughed up at the line of scrimmage. He is still very good in off-man coverage.

Miles Killebrew was starting at strong safety in place of injured Tavon Wilson and he looks very intimidating roaming the secondary.

When the Lions put three safeties on the field it was Charles Washington who stepped in.

If Alex Carter continues to play like he has the last two practices, he could overtake Washington for the fifth safety role soon.

Is the list of possible returners getting shorter?

The same group of five players were fielding kicks again today: Jace Billingsley, Keshawn Martin, Jamal Agnew, TJ Jones and Jared Abbrederis.

Billingsley fumbled the first punt of the afternoon and that was the last chance he had on the day, he moved over to the receiver group immediately after. I’ve now seen him drop punts on consecutive days, so it may be time to speculate if he is running out of chances to be a returner.

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